Former Nigerian national team head coach Jose Peseiro says he decided not to continue with the Super Eagles job because of the pressure and the stress that comes with it.
Speaking to SABC Sport, on the sidelines of the CAF coaches symposium that’s been taking place in Cote D’Ivoire this week, to review the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, Peseiro says his mind was made up after losing the final to the hosts earlier this year.
Nigeria lost 2-1 to the Ivorians in the final and the Portuguese born coach says his mind was made up even before the tournament. ‘‘I decided that when I finish the AFCON, I will leave. I had put too much effort in my job, it was too much stress. Everyone supported me – my family and the players but I grew fatigue, I thought it was enough for me, even if I had won the AFCON,” said Peseiro.
Peseiro is a well-travelled coach, having been in charge of the Saudi Arabian national team, African giants Al Ahly, Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto, Venezuela and Panathinaikos just to count a few.
But he says the four times African champions’ job was special.’ ‘Nigeria was an amazing job, with good players. We played very well in the AFCON. I think our team was the best until we lost to Cote d’Ivoire in the tournament,” added Peseiro.